Are staffing shortages impacting your healthcare facility’s ability to provide quality care? With the growing demand for flexible staffing solutions, many healthcare providers are turning to per diem staffing as a reliable option. But what exactly is per diem staffing, and how can it benefit your facility?
Hiring healthcare staff has become increasingly challenging, particularly as demand rises and burnout becomes a major concern for permanent employees. For healthcare facilities in need of temporary but highly skilled workers, per diem staffing solutions offers a flexible solution. By partnering with per diem agencies, facilities can quickly bring in healthcare professionals on an as-needed basis to fill shifts and cover immediate gaps.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the top FAQs about hiring per diem healthcare staff and explore why it’s a smart choice for many healthcare facilities today.
1. What is Per Diem Staffing?
Per diem staffing refers to hiring healthcare professionals who work on an as-needed basis. Unlike permanent staff, per diem workers do not have regular shifts. Instead, they are available to fill gaps in the schedule when a healthcare facility requires extra hands. This flexibility is particularly beneficial during seasonal surges, employee absences, or last-minute staffing needs.
Healthcare facilities often partner with per diem staffing agencies to source qualified professionals such as registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, and medical assistants. These workers are typically paid a daily or hourly rate, making the process straightforward and efficient.
2. What Are the Benefits of Hiring Per Diem Staff?
Hiring per diem healthcare staff offers several advantages, especially for healthcare facilities that experience fluctuating patient volumes or unexpected staff shortages. Here are some key benefits:
- Flexibility: Per diem workers are available on short notice and for varying timeframes, whether for a single shift or multiple days. This flexibility helps healthcare facilities adjust their staffing levels based on demand.
- Cost-Effective: Hiring permanent staff to handle temporary increases in patient load can be costly. Per diem staffing allows facilities to meet short-term needs without the long-term financial commitment of full-time employees.
- Immediate Availability: When last-minute absences or sudden spikes in patient volumes occur, per diem staff can step in quickly to ensure that patient care is uninterrupted.
- Reduced Burnout: Using per diem staffing relieves the burden on permanent employees, preventing burnout and boosting morale among your full-time team.
3. How Does Per Diem Staffing Work With an Agency?
Working with a per diem agency simplifies the hiring process and gives healthcare facilities quick access to a pool of experienced professionals. Here’s how the process works:
- Assess Staffing Needs: The facility identifies which roles need to be filled and the qualifications required.
- Request Per Diem Staff: The agency connects the facility with pre-screened professionals who are qualified and ready to work on short notice.
- Onboarding and Training: While per diem staff usually require minimal training, facilities may provide a brief orientation to familiarize them with the facility’s protocols.
By partnering with a per diem staffing agency, healthcare organizations can efficiently address their staffing needs without the lengthy process of recruiting and hiring.
4. What Qualifications Do Per Diem Staff Need?
Healthcare facilities rely on per diem staffing agencies to ensure that workers meet the necessary qualifications. Generally, per diem staff must have:
- Valid healthcare licenses and certifications (such as RN, LPN, CNA)
- Relevant experience in their area of expertise
- Completed background checks and drug screenings
Because agencies handle the vetting process, the professionals provided are typically ready to step in and provide high-quality care with little to no delay.
5. Per Diem Staffing vs. Travel Nursing: What’s the Difference?
While both per diem staffing and travel nursing provide flexible staffing options, they serve different purposes. Here’s how they compare:
- Duration: Per diem staff work day-to-day, filling short-term gaps in local facilities. Travel nurses typically take assignments that last several weeks or months and may relocate for the duration.
- Location: Per diem staff are generally local, whereas travel nurses are hired to fill needs in different regions or states.
- Cost: Hiring travel nurses involves covering relocation and housing expenses. Per diem staffing is often more cost-effective for facilities that need short-term, local staffing solutions.
If your facility needs temporary support but doesn’t require long-term or out-of-state employees, per diem staffing may be the better option.
FAQs About Per Diem Staffing
6. How Does Per Diem Staffing Solutions Improve Patient Care?
When healthcare facilities are adequately staffed, patients benefit from shorter wait times and receive more personalized care. Per diem staff allow facilities to maintain the appropriate patient-to-caregiver ratio, especially during peak times. By preventing burnout among permanent staff, per diem staffing ensures that both patients and caregivers are well-supported.
7. What is the Compensation Structure for Per Diem Staff?
Per diem staff are compensated on a daily or hourly basis. Pay rates often depend on the worker’s level of experience, the facility’s budget, and the duration of the assignment. Per diem workers typically earn higher hourly wages than full-time staff due to the temporary nature of their work. However, they may not receive benefits like health insurance or paid time off.
8. Can I Rehire the Same Per Diem Staff?
Yes, healthcare facilities can request the same per diem staff for future shifts, especially if they are familiar with the facility’s processes and have performed well in the past. This not only maintains continuity in patient care but also reduces the time needed for onboarding.
9. What Role Do Agencies Play in Per Diem Staffing?
Per diem agencies manage the recruitment, vetting, and hiring process for healthcare facilities. They ensure that the healthcare professionals provided are licensed, experienced, and ready to start immediately. This streamlined process allows facilities to fill staffing gaps quickly and effectively without the hassle of sourcing candidates independently.
10. Are Per Diem Staff Eligible for Benefits?
Most per diem workers do not receive traditional benefits such as health insurance or paid time off. However, some staffing agencies may offer limited benefits or bonuses based on the frequency or length of assignments. The temporary nature of per diem work typically means that compensation focuses on higher hourly wages rather than long-term benefits.
11. Can Per Diem Staff Transition to Permanent Roles?
Yes, many healthcare facilities use per diem staffing as an opportunity to evaluate potential full-time hires. If a per diem worker demonstrates strong skills and integrates well with the team, facilities may offer them a permanent position. This flexible approach allows facilities to “test out” staff before committing to a long-term hire.
Why Hiring Per Diem Staff is a Smart Choice for Healthcare Facilities
In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, staffing shortages and fluctuating patient volumes are constant challenges. Hiring per diem staff offers a flexible and cost-effective solution to meet these demands without sacrificing the quality of care. Whether you need extra help for seasonal surges, to cover staff absences, or to prevent burnout among your permanent staff, per diem staffing provides the support you need.
By partnering with a per diem agency, healthcare facilities gain access to skilled professionals who are ready to step in and ensure that patient care remains a top priority. This approach not only helps maintain a balanced workload for your team but also keeps your facility running smoothly during even the busiest times.
If your healthcare facility is struggling to meet staffing demands, now is the time to explore the benefits of per diem staffing. With the help of a trusted per diem agency, like EmpowerCare, you can rest easy knowing your facility will always be fully staffed and prepared for whatever comes next.